Defending World Champion James Magnussen kicked off his 2012 season Friday morning in Adelaide with the 100 free. He swam a 48.74 to easily take the top seed in prelims. Not that preliminary comparisons mean a whole lot, but two weeks ago in Austin, American Nathan Adrian was only 48.97 in finals.
Magnussen put two of Australia’s other great sprinters in the dust in the morning, with Matthew Abood taking the 2nd seed in 50.02 and Eamon Sullivan in 3rd in 51.01. Of course, the talent dropped off greatly after those three, so the veterans Abood and Sullivan were likely saving their strength for tonight’s final.
Among other great swims in the morning were a 4:42.30 in the women’s IM from 20-year old Blair Evans. In the men’s 100 fly, Jayden Handler, only 18, took the top seed in 53.86. He also was the top seed in the 200 IM in 2:04.84.
Braden, Nathan Adrian swam that 48.97 in the final. He swam the Austin prelims in 49.75.
Yes, I have heard Evans started to get really serious about swimming in this olympics year, which explains her 4:36 400 IM.
However, she needs to edit her swims. To swim 200-400-800 and 400 IM could be a suicidal schedule. Even Hoff couldn’t do it.
But if the schedule allows it…..
I agree…She’s going to make it tough for Palmer and Barratt
What about Evans…..4 seconds PB in the 400IM with a final 100m of 61.88 seconds, the girl is tough. Also note, she went 55. 100FR last week so she could join Barratt & Palmer to make up an 800FR Relay capable of beating the American’s. 1.56 for her this year, atleast, would not be shocked if she went 1.55 high.
She could also leave Barratt or Palmer out of individual events…Her 400FR & 800FR will be pretty swift.
It will be an almost disappointment if he doesn’t break the WR in London.
Magnusses did 48.05 in an easy swim in the final